A SOLDIER who is leaving the Army this week and plans to set up his own business is the latest winner of the region's Postcode Lottery £25,000 jackpot.

Anthony Weldon, of Norburn Park, Witton Gilbert, who is in the DH7 6SQ postcode, leaves the Army on Saturday, which is also his 40th birthday.

"This money is such good luck for us," he said. "I plan to open my own business this month, a service company called Gas-Elec, and this is going to help massively."

Mr Weldon's wife, Elizabeth, 37, and son Bret, 14, hope some of the winnings might go on a new car or holiday.

Mr Weldon said: "We always give a little to charities each month, and the Postcode Lottery seemed to be the perfect way to give to lots of local charities in one go.

"But it's funny, I was feeling really lucky on the day I looked at the website and signed up. I'm glad my instincts were right!"

The Weldons' neighbour, Margaret Hadfield, 56, also won £1,000 thanks to her two tickets, and 543 lottery players in the DH7 area will also receive £18 each.